Health Library

What Do You Know About Tattoos and Body Piercing?

Tattooing has been done as a decorative practice since ancient times. It's now also being used for some cosmetic medical procedures and for permanent makeup applications. Find out more about tattoos and piercings by taking this quiz.

1. How is a tattoo applied to the skin?

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The needles usually are attached to a small machine and tubes that hold the dyes. The tattooist moves the machine over the tattoo area, while the needles pierce the skin and inject the dyes. Depending on the size of the tattoo, it can take up to several hours to apply it. The procedure is somewhat painful, and, like any cut or scrape of the skin, it causes some bleeding. Non-permanent tattoos can be applied with a brush using a dye such as henna. These wash off in several months.

A. With a brush using permanent paintB. With one or more needles that apply dyesC. With a patch that's applied to the skinD. None of the above

2. How long does it take the tattoo to heal?

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As in any wound to the skin, a scab forms over the site. Experts say it's important to leave the site alone until completely healed. This will help avoid the risk for infection or problems with how the tattoo looks.

A. 24 hoursB. 48 hoursC. 3 daysD. 7 to 10 days

3. What health problems may be associated with getting a tattoo?

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Although tattoo shops may be more hygienic than in the past, the procedure still has its risks. One of the main problems associated with tattoos is developing an allergic reaction to the dyes used. The pigments can include metal oxides and synthetic dyes, the FDA says. If the tattooist isn't scrupulous about procedure, the tattoo site can develop a bacterial infection. Hepatitis B also has been transmitted through tattooing. Other diseases that may be transmitted through tattooing include hepatitis C, D, and G; HIV; tetanus; and tuberculosis. Other complications include granulomas (nodules that form in the skin around the dyes) and keloids (scars that grow beyond the tattoo site).

A. Hepatitis BB. Allergic reaction to the dyesC. Bacterial infectionD. All of the above

4. Tattoos are permanent, but as time passes, they may no longer be desired. Why?

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Experts say that's why it's important to weigh the pros and cons of a tattoo or permanent makeup carefully before going ahead with the procedure.

A. The pigments can fade with time or the image becomes blurryB. The tattoo can become an embarrassing reminder of someone or somethingC. The permanent makeup no longer flatters an aging faceD. All of the above

5. With difficulty, some tattoos can be removed. What procedure is used to do this?

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Laser treatments may be able to lighten a tattoo, but they are expensive and may require several months to complete, the FDA says. The area of skin treated may end up lighter than the surrounding skin, and some people may develop an allergic reaction, because the laser treatments may release allergenic substances in the dyes. Dermabrasion involves removing skin layers with a wire brush or sanding disc; this procedure may leave a scar.

Besides these, the shop should also use a disinfectant or bleach to clean items that cannot be put in the autoclave. The shop should appear clean.

A. An autoclave for sterilizing nondisposable instrumentsB. Sterile needles used only onceC. New gloves used for each procedureD. All of the above

7. How can you find a reputable tattooist?

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State and local health departments regulate tattoo shops and facilities. You can check out an individual tattooist by seeing if the person is certified by the Alliance of Professional Tattooists.

A. State health departmentB. Local health departmentC. A and BD. None of the above

8. Besides the ear, what is one of the most common sites among women for body piercing?

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The most popular site among men for body piercing is the earlobe.

A. EyebrowB. NavelC. NippleD. Nose

9. Which problem(s) can develop from a body piercing?

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The American Dental Association (ADA) is against any piercing of the mouth—whether tongue, lip, or cheek—because of the risk for broken teeth, difficulty chewing, speech impediments, and infection. The American Academy of Dermatology approves piercings only for the earlobe. The earlobe is safe because it is made of fatty tissue and has a good supply of blood.

A. Chipped or broken teethB. Abscesses or boilsC. A permanent hole in the nose or eyebrowD. All of the above

10. Besides cleanliness and good hygiene, what else should a piercing shop offer?

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The jewelry placed in the pierced site should be made of stainless steel, gold, niobium, titanium, or platinum. It should be new - never previously worn or used. A piercing shop should not use a piercing gun for the procedure. Experts say that piercing guns are difficult to sterilize and that they are less precise than other piercing methods.